A few years ago, I was introduced to the piece of class in a glass that is the dirty vodka martini. I quickly learned just how I preferred them: extra dirty, extra dry. In my humble opinion, with even more olive brine, less vermouth and reaching-for-it vodka (aka top shelf – and never with gin for me), this drink lives up to its fullest potential.

I was racking my brain for ways to doll up this version for lounge involvement, and my thoughts headed to that very jar of olives. Should I add olive oil? Nooooo way. Vinegar? Ewwww. Herbs? Now we’re getting somewhere. What I decided to use never seems to do anything but grow, and grow, and grow (in my neighbor’s yard – even better!) in Portland: fresh rosemary.

Rosemary: It's about time for your arrival.

Not only does a fresh sprig of rosemary act as a garnish here, a nice hint of flavor is added after an initial rub of the glass. Make sure to use high quality olives and vodka.

First, rub the inside of a martini glass with a rosemary sprig. Set sprig aside, and chill glass for a minimum of 10 minutes. Combine ice, vodka or gin, vermouth, brine and the sprig you used to rub the glass in a cocktail shaker.

Add the olives and 2nd rosemary sprig into your chilled glass. Shake the liquid ingredients, and pour into glass.